MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - More public input will now be allowed at Mountain View County public hearings after council approved changes to two sections of the county’s Establishing Procedure and Conduct of Public Hearings Bylaw No. 11/24.
The move came by way of motion at the regularly scheduled July 10 council meeting, held in person and online in the Town of Olds council chambers.
The county’s administrative office and council chambers are undergoing renovations, with councillors using the Olds’ council chamber for the next few meetings.
During the July 10 council meeting, Chris Atchison, director of legislative services, told council that two changes were proposed to Bylaw No. 11/24 following council discussion at the June 19 council meeting.
“At that meeting council requested further amendments to this bylaw to clarify council’s ability to seek further information from the public to support the decision-making process,” said Atchison.
“And to clarify that public hearings can be held for various purposes, not just for land use applications.”
Section 2.05 originally read: “Public hearing shall allow input on facts and opinions from the public and are not intended to be question and answer sessions.”
The updated Section 2.05 now reads: “Public hearing shall allow input on facts and opinions from the public and an opportunity for council to ask questions from the public and administration in an effort to receive further information prior to deliberations.”
Section 3.07 originally read: “Questions by council members shall be limited to questions to determine the suitability of the property for land use being requested.”
The updated Section 3.07 now reads: “Questions by council members shall be limited to questions to determine the suitability of applications or subject of the public hearing.”
Council passed second and third reading of the updated bylaw. Coun. Gord Krebs was not in attendance for the votes on Bylaw No. 11/24.
